Hello, I’m Sheila Finkenbinder. I’m running for the Sitka Assembly because I’d like to help lead Assembly conversations in a more positive, solution-oriented direction.

I’ve lived in Sitka since 1990. During that time, I’ve seen a lot of changes and some serious challenges; like the closure of the pulp mill and then Sheldon Jackson College. But the biggest changes I’ve seen have been the positive things that have come about as Sitka has dealt with those negative blows.

During my 27 years here, dozens of new businesses have opened up. I’ve even helped some of them get started through the programs we created at Sitka Works. In addition to businesses, the number of new homes and subdivisions is amazing – in a town whose population essentially hasn’t changed.

Then there’s the infrastructure: Eliason Harbor, the Performing Arts Center, a new Fire Hall, an expanded Harrigan Centennial Hall and library, a bigger dam, providing us with more electricity — to say nothing of all the landscaping that now beautifies the town. All this — and the fact that homes are still selling and prices haven’t dropped — tells me that this is a vibrant community where people want to live.

But, for the downsides of living in Sitka – 100 inches of rain and especially, the high cost of living, our challenge is this: How do we make Sitka even more livable, more affordable, and more attractive for businesses and families to move here or to stay here?

From my perspective, we need to grow our tax base – not raise our tax rates. We need to look for proactive ways to attract more businesses and families to move here and help share the costs of all the improvements we’ve already made. More residents and enterprises could help our community hospital stay open, fill our schools, keep utility rates down, and breathe new life into the community.

As a Sitka Assembly member, my intention will be to steer conversations in a positive direction that will lead to solutions for the economic, cultural, physical and social health of our residents. Let’s turn perceived roadblocks into opportunities for creative problem solving and healthy growth for Sitka.

The municipal election is Tuesday, October 3rd. Both precincts will vote at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee and advanced voting is available weekdays from 9am to 5pm at City Hall (3rd floor) through October 2nd. Absentee voting by mail is available through September 26.